PARK UPDATES

Play Lodi!

Activity Guide • Spring/Summer 2019

Updates on Park Improvements

367 Acres of Parkland

Blakely Park Pool Renovations John Blakely once was Lodi’s city clerk and the park was named in his honor when it was built 65 years ago. We think he’d be proud of what we’re doing! We’re wrapping up the first step ahead of the summer swimming season with the renovation of the 32-year-old Enze Pool. Swimmers this summer will find a new pool deck, new plaster, new starting blocks for competitive swimmers, and a new shade structure that will make it comfortable for those choosing to stay dry. Later this year, we’ll go out to bid for a new park restroom using federal grant funds, and to reconstruct the sports fields on the northern half of the park, including a new irrigation system to replace the one that’s 56 years old. That will keep the turf healthy and ensure the park will be a great place for baseball, softball and soccer for many years. The sports fields are funded through a State grant, which is also paying to construct a new basketball court. We anticipate construction at about this time next year!

DeBenedetti Park Development DeBenedetti Park Parks and Rec is narrowing its focus M ASTER P LAN for future development at DeBenedetti Park after conducting surveys and public outreach meetings. We had hundreds of people respond to our survey, and dozens more attend meetings facilitated by a landscape architecture firm that is leading our planning efforts.

We’re looking to plan the 20 acres of “high” ground at the park – essentially the untouched space at street level that will meet the recreational needs of the nearby residents, but also the community’s needs for larger recreation space. Our experts will soon provide alternative plans for the park’s final design, which will then go to the Parks and Recreation Commission and then City Council for approval. The next phase of development could occur as soon as 2020!

Nature Area Grant Update Another park upgrade planned for 2020 or 2021 is a renovation of the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area amphitheater and educational features. We’re in the process of developing new interpretive panels that will help visitors learn about our unique resource, and staff is working on plans to put this project out to bid in 2020.

Enze Pool Under Construction

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When finished, the Nature Area amphitheater will be a focal point for education about the 58-acre urban wilderness and community gathering. City of Lodi Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services